Hospital pharmacists’ education, career paths, and continuous education: A cross-sectional survey in Batna, Algeria

Abstract

Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the perspectives of 61 hospital pharmacists in Batna, Algeria, regarding education, career choices, and continuous education (CE). Methods: Convenience sampling was employed to select pharmacists working in public health hospitals within the Wilaya of Batna. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms between December 20, 2023, and March 20, 2024. The questionnaire covered demographics, reasons for choosing the pharmacy profession, perceived relevance of university studies to current job, satisfaction with career trajectory, and engagement in CE. Results: The study found that 73.8% of respondents were female, with a mean age of 37.74 years and an average of 10.34±3.38 years of work experience. The most influential factor in choosing pharmacy was valuing a respectable job (3.69±1.51). Regarding education relevance, respondents rated their university studies to their current job with a moderate mean score of 2.97±1.16, with the fifth and fourth years emerging as the most relevant years of study to their current job (3.25±1.36 and 3.11±1.31, respectively). Factors influencing job selection included work environment, location of work, and level of responsibility. Over 50% had either not engaged in any CE or had done so more than a year ago, while barriers preventing engagement in CE included the lack of national protocols and personal time. Conclusion: It is urgent to improve the alignment between pharmacy education and job roles and implement CE activities through a national protocol. Additionally, targeted strategies are warranted to enhance job satisfaction and retention among hospital pharmacists in Algeria.